Benitez talks up belief

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez believes his players have proved they have the belief to win their Premier League relegation battle.

Goals from Papiss Cisse and Jack Colback saw the Magpies come from 2-0 down at half-time at Anfield after goals from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana to secure an important point in their quest to avoid the drop.

It ensured they avoided an unwanted club record of 10 successive away defeats and means they have taken five points from their last three matches, the last two of which have been draws against Manchester City and Liverpool.

Benitez insists that the squad still believes they can remain in the Premier League next season and has urged them to continue putting in strong performances.

“We needed to show character and belief – we did it late but we did it and that is the positive thing,” said Benitez after his return to his former club.

“They (the players) have to realise where we are, what we have to do and how we have to play if we want to stay up.

“I have said so many times since I have been here they have trained well, worked hard and they need confidence.

“When the game is 1-0 down maybe away they don’t have the confidence but they showed character, reaction and passion.

“I told the players it is important to understand the reaction is the way but it is more important not to make mistakes and not to give teams the chance to go ahead at the beginning of the game.”